Research shows relationships fuel early brain development and provide the foundation for lifelong health and success. Yet we also know that parenting a very young child places enormous physical and emotional demands on adults. Some families may not have what they need, or know where to turn for support if they want it, even when it is within reach in their own community. Voluntary evidence-based home visiting programs match new and expectant parents with trained professionals who provide ongoing, individualized support during critical points in pregnancy through a child's first year(s) of life. Voluntary evidence-based home visiting is an umbrella term for certain program models that are backed by rigorous research studies, and meet federally established criteria for effectiveness, replicability, and quality. Although programs are distinct from one another, they share common core principles and features.